“The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting.

WXCHARTS

STORM EMMA MAP: Wales and southwest England are most at risk

“Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area."

The Met Office also said some areas of Scotland could experience up to 40cm of snow in “a few places” by mid-morning.

Paul Gundersen, chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: “Whilst initially the snow will be patchy in nature, will turn heavier and more persistent through the afternoon and evening and it will become very windy.

"10-20 cm of snow is to settle widely across the red warning area with 30-50 cm possible over the hills and moors."